Five hundred delegates from as far away as Australia and Mexico gathered at the 2024 Society for Ecological Restoration North American Conference (SERNAC 2024) at the scenic Pan Pacific hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from 28 October to 1 November 2024. This was the first North American conference held since 2013 and aimed to attract new and established professionals as well as students from a wide range of disciplines doing work in diverse ecosystems across the continent—and it succeeded spectacularly!

Opening and closing plenary presentations and panel discussions emphasized the ecological, cultural, and socio-economic complexities of restoration initiatives spanning vast scales and requiring intensive collaboration. Panelists showcased cross-border and multi-disciplinary initiatives that bear more and more fruit over the years and decades. A common theme throughout the conference was the value and importance of interweaving Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western scientific perspectives and practices in pursuit of urgent shared goals .

What attendees valued most about the Conference…

Welcome & Opening Plenary

SERNAC 2024, held on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, was formally opened with a spirited welcoming ceremony by Robert George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation. This ceremony emphasized the power of story in communication, learning, and understanding, a theme that was integral to the conference from start to finish .

Welcome ceremony by Robert George on behalf of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Conference Co-chairs Regina Wandler and Dr. Katherine Stewart also warmly welcomed delegates and encouraged us to interact as much as possible in light of the conference goal to span geographic, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries.

Brennan Bastyovanszky of the Vancouver Parks Board outlined some of the many ecological restoration-related initiatives underway within the City, including the daylighting of creeks and creation of pollinator meadows within parks, medians, and boulevards. He invited participants to explore as much of Vancouver as they could during the week of the conference.

The Opening Plenary was a co-presentation by Dr. Jodi Hilty of the Yukon to Yellowstone (Y2Y) and Maggie Hanna of the Central Grasslands Roadmap. Both of these initiatives are beyond ambitious in geographic extent and organizational complexity, and provide inspiring models for collaborative conservation and restoration efforts at all scales. Dr. Hilty addressed the philosophical, economic, and political issue that currently holds that "nature is worth more dead than alive" in reference to resource extraction, and discussed Y2Y's contrasting vision that "nature is the best use!" Key goals are to preserve intact nature in the corridor and restore at least 30% of the area.

Maggie Hanna described the challenges associated with working across three countries and the power of “flocking together” in a Constellation Governance Model featuring decentralized leadership, diverse steering committees, and a culture of collaboration. Results are achieved through a fluid cycle of “learn > include > dialogue > act.” The Central Grasslands Roadmap initiative harnesses the power of storytelling and of metrics and modelling, and is stimulating investment in landscape preservation and restoration via a pilot program that offers investors “credits” (see www.landscale.org).

Field Trips

Field trips offered throughout the conference were one of the most popular features! Groups boarded small buses and headed off to local destinations as diverse as a native plant nursery serving the whole North American continent, tidal marshes and estuaries that are critical salmon habitat, City of Vancouver green rainwater infrastructure, the Pacific Spirit and Iona Beach Regional Parks, nearby Stanley Park, and Burns Bog.

Workshops

A variety of workshops promoted interaction on topics ranging from streambank erosion and river restoration to engineering design using nature-based models and solutions, and from tools for collaboration and certification to leveraging natural disturbance regimes in natural resource management.

Photos and Highlights

“Streams” of Concurrent Sessions

The rich program of breakout sessions can be viewed via the Conference Program. Integral themes included the value and importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, the power of collaboration, the applicability of tools and strategies across diverse ecosystems and jurisdictions, and models for effective cooperation amongst the many disciplines engaged in complex conservation and restoration projects .

Trade Show Mixer

On Tuesday evening, delegates gathered for decadent appetizers and beverages while interacting with enthusiastic trade show exhibitors who showcased current and innovative products, services, projects, and programs. This was one of many events at which old friends reconnected (or even met in person for the first time!) while new and exciting connections were made.

Poster Session

The intense volume of noise at the Wednesday evening poster session was a clear indication of the high level of engagement! Conversations continued well beyond the scheduled session time, with many attendees jotting notes, taking photos, and promising to follow up with presenters.

Chapter Socials, Breakout Meetings & Member Engagement

A few SER chapters scheduled social meet-ups for their members, many of whom had only connected virtually until this conference. Other “side” events included the Yale Student Chapter & Yale Alumni Reception, the Student and Emerging Professional Mixer, and the International Network for Seed-based Restoration Annual Membership Meeting. It is fair to say that the seeds of many future careers and collaborations were sown this week!

Closing Plenary

The closing panel discussion, to me, was the most inspiring session in an already-inspiring week! I was deeply moved by the grace and humour of Bob Chamberlin (Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation), Bill Snow (Stoney Nakoda Nation & Wesley First Nation), and ?ikaatius (Tyson Atleo of Ahousaht First Nation). They shared their experiences and perspectives on the interconnected nature of ecosystems (including humans) and on our stewardship responsibilities. Despite the urgency we must feel in addressing the challenges facing us, they emphasized the need to anchor our activities in mutual respect and collaboration as well as stories that are as relevant and illuminating today as they have been for millenia.

Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony was a time of gratitude, reflection, and celebration of the knowledge and experiences shared over the course of the week, of recognition for outstanding student poster presentations, and of anticipation for the next major SER event, the 11th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2025) in Denver Colorado.

Interested in specific presentations?

If you wish to request Powerpoint presentations for a given session, please use the names and affiliation information available on the sernac.org website to conduct your own search for speakers’ contact information: see the Full Conference Program.

A Huge Thank-you to our Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Shout-out to the Organizing Committees and Volunteers

It was a challenge and a privilege to help organize this fantastic event…conference committees which pulled together to make SERNAC 2024 a success include the Organizing & Steering Committee, Local Organizing Committee, Program Committee, Outreach Committee, Finance Committee, Logistics Committee, and Sponsorship Committee. I am in awe of their collective accomplishments and particularly appreciate the dedication of the committee chairs over the two years leading up to the event!

What’s Next?

Join us at the 11th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2025) in Denver, Colorado, USA from 30 September to 4 October 2025! SER2025 is the premier venue for the global restoration community to translate commitments into action: enabling collaboration to scale effective, evidence-based restoration in support of global targets and frameworks. 

The North American Conservation Biology Conference (NACCB) 2026 will be co-hosted with the SER Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter from 12 to 16 July 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This joint conference will bring together members from both organizations to share insights and network. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

A Selection of Photos from SER NAC